Position Description
The Communications Officer is responsible for supporting the implementation and maintenance of YPFP Tokyo’s robust strategic organizational public relations program. Reporting directly to the Communications Director, the position is responsible for supporting brand management and content distribution strategies (e.g., website, social media, etc.), and external communications policies. The Communications Officer may also support the Membership Director in establishing the organization and its members in the larger foreign policy community by increasing the visibility of the organization’s activities.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Supports the Communications Director in strategy for internal and external PR and communications;
- Supports strategies for media engagement;
- Assists with strategic, proactive media outreach by identifying brand awareness opportunities;
- Helps to identify and suggest creative, efficient, and effective channels for engagement outside of traditional communications (e.g. op-eds, guest posts, special events, podcasts, etc.);
- Helps to ensure the creation and sharing of content on a regular basis with members and partners;
- Collaborates with the Programs Director to develop event and/or activity promotion material; and
- Collaborates with the Membership Director to develop key messaging to new and existing members;
Desired Skills and Experience
- Passion for foreign policy, migration and/or strategic PR, branding and management;
- Prior experience with web design and/or graphic design;
- A high degree of maturity and professionalism;
- Exceptional communication skills, written and verbal;
- Strong organizational and project management skills;
- Ability to work effectively independently and as a highly resourceful team-player under pressure and within deadlines; and
- A creative and innovative thinker, who actively presents new opportunities, proposes solutions and recommends best practices.
Eligibility and Selection
- Ideally an early career professional or current graduate student in a relevant field;
- Ability to respond to emails and messages in a timely manner;
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to work efficiently and autonomously as part of a small team;
- Good knowledge of global affairs;
- Well-spoken and able to represent our organization well at all levels;
- Ability to commit 5-10 hours per week (excluding attendance at team meetings, all-hands meetings, and other events); and
- Acknowledgment that this position is unpaid and part-time.
Please note that the leadership team must be dues-paying members. You are not required to be a member to apply, but you must confirm your membership to be accepted for the position. To apply, please email a cover letter and your up-to-date CV / resume to Tokyo Managing Director, Lauren Power, lauren.power@ypfp.org. Please include ‘Communications Officer Application’ in the subject line.
Note: To facilitate international connections and to promote our research, programming, and other accomplishments to our global network, the working language is English and high-level English proficiency is required. Some research activities and events may be conducted in Japanese and other languages. Proficiency in Japanese and other languages is highly valued.